THE INFIORATE OF SPELLO – THE NIGHT OF FLOWERS: LET INEBRIATE YOUR SENSES.

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by Benedetta Tintillini

The Infiorate were a simple proof of devotion. The faithfuls, on the occasion of Corpus Christi, used to decorate, with flowers and herbs, the floor of the streets where the procession would pass. In Spello this tradition has reached a sublime technical and artistic level.
Every year the event surpasses itself, for commitment, magic, quality and quantity of the carpets. All this thanks to the work, the passion and the competition between the groups.
An added value is that a realization so ephemeral as an Infiorata (which lasts few hours), involves constant work and commitment throughout the year and, of course, it becomes more and more intense during the months close to the event .
While studying and planning the drawings and creating sketches, starting from February, some flowers, such as marigolds and cornflowers, are already planted .
Of course, these appointments of choral work , do not miss the playful and gastronomic part… people have fun working on “team” for a common goal, and enjoy eating healthy and delicious local products .
These job opportunities are several during the month preceding the Infiorata, it is the time of harvest : “expeditions” in enchanting places such as, for example, Colfiorito , are organized, where, in the long stretches of fields, the spontaneous flowers are collected, always enjoying a snack or a picnic.

Please click on the PICS for further informations

Please click on the PICS for further informations!
Good to know that all these events are not only for the the Spello citizens. All those who want to join the group, give their contribution, live a different experience, enjoy the countryside in a simple and authentic way, are welcome.
From this moment on, every activity is livable and can be shared with the makers of these fantastic tradition.
After the collection phase is the phase of “capatura” in basements , garages , especially in the evening after dinner, instead of being dazed in front of the TV, people meet and separate the colorful petals from the rest of the flower. No part however is thrown, because every shade of color can be useful during the realization of the project.
Then comes the wonderful ” Flower Night “: the entire city stays up, the streets are lightened up and alleys are full of life. While people prepare the flowers in their structure, arrange the project and the boxes with the petals, and organize for the supplies that will sustain them during the continuous work throughout the night, swarming along the roads increases incessantly … hundreds, thousands of visitors parade admiring the work groups , peep to see better, ask about with curiosity and admiration, while the Infioratori receive compliments, certificates of appreciation, admiration, and incitement to do better.
The crowd grows more and more as the dawn rises … the floral decorations are not yet completed and the work isn’t still done … sleep and fatigue will not be felt until the floral display will not be realized, discovered, admired …
Once the job is done satisfaction is huge … the choral work, unity of purpose, enjoyment and fatigue, the hardness of the work on the ground and the enormous beauty of creation mean that all this is an experience that will never be forgotten … the regret for the very short duration of the carpet gives way to the conscience that we have participated in making a gorgeous, unique and, most importantly, unrepeatable piece of art… the procession with the Bishop , the Carabinieri in uniform, the brotherhoods and the devotees that walk on the carpets, and makes even more scared every gesture and intention.
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